Job Description of a Curator of Education
The Curator of Education plans, organizes and conducts public programming in a museum, including field trips, public tours, lectures and other educational programs. The job title varies by institution and may also be known as a director of education, educator or programs manager.
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Field Trips
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The Curator of Education is responsible for planning, organizing and implementing content for school tours--preferably aligning the material to state education standards to encourage teachers to bring students on a field trip. At a smaller museum, she may also take reservations and create the field trip schedule.
Exhibitions
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According to N. Elizabeth Schlatter, author of the book "Museum Careers: A Practical Guide for Students and Novices," a museum educator writes and designs materials to accompany exhibits, including resource kits, gallery guides and online pre- and post-visit materials for teachers. She may also work with curators and exhibition development teams to write appropriate text for exhibit panels and labels.
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Public Programs
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A museum educator plans programming for adults and children using in-house talent and hiring outside speakers for lectures, classes, workshops and symposiums.
Public Speaking
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At a smaller museum, the Curator of Education will actually lead school tours, gallery talks and other public programs.
Training
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The Curator of Education is responsible for training all front-line education staff, including museum teachers, assistants and volunteer tour guides.
Educational Background
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A Curator of Education should have an undergraduate degree in education or a subject specialty related to the museum, such as art or history. A master's degree in museum studies or museum education is usually preferred.
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